Pelagonija is a geographical plain between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia, the Macedonian part incorporating the cities of Bitola, Prilep, Krushevo and the picturesque village of Mariovo.

Prilep is the place where one can find the finest marble in the world, and it represents a famous world center for production of quality tobacco. It is famous for the Tobacco Museum that owns exhibits that are partly purchased from institutions and individuals across Europe, Asia and Africa and the other part are excavated from sites and thus, represent unique objects. Prilep is a town of rich monumental heritage, the most representative monument complexes being: Bedem, Gradishte, Bezisten and the remains of the ancient cities Stibera, Alkomena, Keramija and Kolobansa. There are also churches and monasteries that date back to the Middle Age as well as the most famous towers called “Marko’s Towers”. If you happen to be in Prilep during the months of June and July, do not miss the “Vojdan Chernodrinski” theatre festival and the Prilep Summer of Culture event, which offers cultural achievements in all domains of art.

Bitola is the second largest city in the Republic of Macedonia that still bears the nickname “the city of consuls” as it was a seat of consuls in the 19th century. It is famous for the Clock Tower and the long pedestrian street called Sirok Sokak that abounds in neo-classical buildings, stores, coffee bars and restaurants. It is also a home of the renowned International Cinematographers’ Film Festival “Manaki Brothers”. The National Park Pelister is not very far from the city. The five-needle pine tree known as “molika”, which is considered to be a Tertiary Relic Plant, forms the greatest part of its vegetation, making the National Park a unique picturesque and attractive place to visit. When visiting Bitola, one must also not miss the ancient city of Heraklea that dates back to the Hellenistic period.

Mariovo is a region in the southern part of Macedonia where the largest canyon is found. The region is divided by the Crna river into two sub-regions: Small and Old (Big) Mariovo. It is noteworthy that due to its specific position, this part of the country has a distinct local climate that differs from the other parts of the country. The small number of inhabitants in the villages, and the absence of industry and factories place this area among the cleanest eco regions in Europe.

Skopje

Enjoy the diversity of the Old Bazaar (Stara Carshija), which is one of the best preserved examples of the urban Ottoman architecture. Separated from the city by the Stone bridge and bordering the Kale Fortress, besides being full of restaurants, coffee bars, churches, mosques and museums, it is a real community of craftsmen creating with leather, copper and clay and selling jewelry and clothes. In addition, pay respect to the Noble Prize winner Mother Theresa by visiting her Memorial House where part of her relics are preserved, and enjoy the classical appearance of Skopje 2014 by sightseeing the classical government buildings and the monuments depicting historical characters.

Kokino/Kuklici

Near the village of Kokino, there is an ancient archaeological site known as Ancient Observatory Kokino that dates back to the Bronze Age. This site is said “to contain a megalithic observatory and a sacred site”. On the other hand, Kuklici (The Stone Dolls) represent a real wonder of nature, which was created by erosion, wind and other climate influences. There are 148 stone figures in total and they all resemble actual people. The legend says that many years ago, there was a young man from the nearby village who fell in love with two girls. The first one was one very rich but not so beautiful and the second one was beautiful but very poor. He was pretty unsure of whom of the two girls to marry, and he made arrangements for a wedding with both of them on the same day. When the day came, the beautiful and poor girl heard the drums and music from the wedding and wondered why they did not come to her house. When she came down the valley and saw her beloved with the rich girl she cursed everyone by saying: “Let God turn every one of you into stones, even myself”, and when the groom kissed the bride everyone turned into stone. Ever since, each Stone Doll has been called under a different title: bride, groom, best man, cousins, etc.

Berovo

Berovo is a town with the highest concentration of oxygen on the Balkans. The relief is predominantly mountainous, and the flat areas are situated around the riverbeds of the Bregalnica river that makes this town perfect for both summer and winter vacation. It is famous for the first church built in 1818 that later became a female monastery of St. Archangel Michael and the Berovo museum where the first national school was open. If you happen to be there on the 28th of August, you won’t miss the Ethno Square Festival, which is the most famous festival in the whole region. Not very far from Berovo is the wonderful Berovo lake surrounded with pine trees that rests ones eyes and leaves a feeling of peace.

Vodocha/ Veljusa

The monastery complex of Vodocha consists of 3 churches (East, West and Central) and therefore, reflects the rich spiritual and cultural life shown on this territory. Due to archaeological excavations, over 1000 graves with jewelry and ceramics dating back to XIV-XIX century have been discovered in the complex. On the other hand, the monastery church in Veljusa has kept its original and unique Byzantine architecture. It is famous for the fresco technique, mosaic and sculpture engraved in the shallow relief of the marble parts of the iconostas.

Koleshino/Smolare

Once you visit the Koleshino and Smolare Falls, you will want to come back again. These magic waterfalls surrounded by amazing living nature such as green vegetation and sound of different kinds of birds will definitely be an enjoyment and a recharge of your batteries.

Demir Kapija

This picturesque region is a true heaven for the mountaineers and the alpinists. The mystical natural beauty of the Kozuv mountain and the sound of the Vardar river make it a unique place to visit during any time of the year. The most significant place to visit in this area is the Bela Voda Cave (White Water Cave) that represents the longest horizontal speleological object with its stunning lake at the end. Paying a visit to the Popova Kula Winery is the best way to taste the wine produced in this area and enjoy the magnificent nature that surrounds it.

Veles

Veles is an industrial center and a city of poetry, culture, history and tradition at the same time. It is also known as the home of Koco Racin, an author considered as a founder of the modern Macedonian literature. People call Veles an open-air museum, as it is a place where you can find a lot of monuments and memorial houses. From the famous Clock Tower, the Boatmen’s monument and Kosturnica, an eternal home of hundreds of soldiers who died for their peoples’ freedom, right to the Mladost Lake which one of the most visited artificial lakes and popular tourist destinations.

Macedonia has always been an important place where different civilizations met. These have influenced its culture and customs. These civilizations have left their traces on this territory in a form of different cultural and historic monuments. Many of these were destroyed by wars and earthquakes, but many have been restored and witness the rich history of Macedonia. The cultural heritage of Macedonia includes archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, monasteries, old fortresses, old market places, mosques, etc. Each town in Macedonia has something specific to offer to a visitor to see.

Skopje

Enjoy the diversity of the Old Bazaar (Stara Carshija), which is one of the best preserved examples of the urban Ottoman architecture. Separated from the city by the Stone bridge and bordering the Kale Fortress, besides being full of restaurants, coffee bars, churches, mosques and museums, it is a real community of craftsmen creating with leather, copper and clay and selling jewelry and clothes. In addition, pay respect to the Noble Prize winner Mother Theresa by visiting her Memorial House where part of her relics are preserved, and enjoy the classical appearance of Skopje 2014 by sightseeing the classical government buildings and the monuments depicting historical characters.

Matka

The Canyon Matka is Macedonia’s most inspiring attraction. Since it is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and a home of many amazing churches and monasteries, it is very popular not only with the Skopje residents, but with the tourists as well. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km southwest of Skopje, the capitol of Macedonia. Millions of years of erosion have produced this geographical marvel, offering people a place of peace and an abundance of renewable energy.

There are ten caves at Matka Canyon, with the shortest in length being 20 meters and the longest being 176 meters .The Vrelo cave, which was discovered in 1982, has been carved out of the rock by the massive amounts of water, and its stalactites and stalagmites have taken an unusual shape due to the accumulation of mineral deposits. It is 30 meters deep and maintains even temperature throughout the year. An underwater portion of the cave is attracting huge interest as it holds the title of being the deepest on the Balkans. A secret tunnel beneath its surface allows the water to exit into the river Canyon at the astonishing rate of 2000 liters per second. In addition, the Canyon is one of Macedonia’s best areas for alpine hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting and swimming.

Ohrid

As one of the most ancient towns in Europe and part of UNESCO’s World Natural and Cultural Heritage, Ohrid presents its history at every single corner. This magnificent and exciting city is the home of the oldest Slav monastery of St. Pantelejmon that contains more than 800 Byzantine-style icons dating back from the 11th through 14th century. The monastery of St. Naum, famous for its location on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, offers a unique view to the springs of the Crn Drim river, while the St. Zaum monastery and its small beach, built in 1361, cannot be reached over land but by taxi-boat only. One of the most exciting places to go is the village of Trpejca, which is known as the Macedonian Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Bones, which is a protected cultural monument that consists of 24 reconstructed prehistoric houses on a wooden platform, and therefore represents an exceptional archaeological complex. The Robev Family House and the Samoil’s Fortress are yet two of the most mysterious and surprising locations that are a must when one pays a visit to Ohrid.

Skopje

Enjoy the diversity of the Old Bazaar (Stara Carshija), which is one of the best preserved examples of the urban Ottoman architecture. Separated from the city by the Stone bridge and bordering the Kale Fortress, besides being full of restaurants, coffee bars, churches, mosques and museums, it is a real community of craftsmen creating with leather, copper and clay and selling jewelry and clothes. In addition, pay respect to the Noble Prize winner Mother Theresa by visiting her Memorial House where part of her relics are preserved, and enjoy the classical appearance of Skopje 2014 by sightseeing the classical government buildings and the monuments depicting historical characters.

Matka

The Canyon Matka is Macedonia’s most inspiring attraction. Since it is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and a home of many amazing churches and monasteries, it is very popular not only with the Skopje residents, but with the tourists as well. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km southwest of Skopje, the capitol of Macedonia. Millions of years of erosion have produced this geographical marvel, offering people a place of peace and an abundance of renewable energy.

There are ten caves at Matka Canyon, with the shortest in length being 20 meters and the longest being 176 meters .The Vrelo cave, which was discovered in 1982, has been carved out of the rock by the massive amounts of water, and its stalactites and stalagmites have taken an unusual shape due to the accumulation of mineral deposits. It is 30 meters deep and maintains even temperature throughout the year. An underwater portion of the cave is attracting huge interest as it holds the title of being the deepest on the Balkans. A secret tunnel beneath its surface allows the water to exit into the river Canyon at the astonishing rate of 2000 liters per second. In addition, the Canyon is one of Macedonia’s best areas for alpine hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting and swimming.

Vodno

The Vodno mountain is located in the northern part of Macedonia, to the southwest of the capital city of Skopje. The highest peak is on 1066 meters and is called Krstovar, where the 66-metres high Millennium Cross, one of the biggest Christian crosses in the world, was built. The rich vegetation, the accessible mountain paths and the churches, monasteries and monuments make Vodno a perfect place for recreational, cultural and modern tourism. The hike from Middle Vodno to Krstovar has become a highly attractive leisure activity. Since the opening of a bus-line that leads to Middle Vodno and Krstovar, especially the cable-transport that leads from Middle Vodno to the Millennium cross, the interest in getting to the Vodno mountain has increased rapidly. The cable-transport was put in operation in 2011, and it includes 28 regular gondolas for eight people and two VIP gondolas for four people. If you ever decide to take a cable car to the peak, you will get the most magnificent and enjoyable view of the city of Skopje and the surrounding valleys.

Kamnik

Authentically Macedonian, the Kamnik winery expresses the greatness of the ancient Macedonian traditions, spirits and soil, in a truly contemporary wine style. Blending past and future, traditions and the sophisticated state-of-the-art approach, nature and science, challenges us to find the most captivating wine tastes.

The aims and visions of the winery team are set to keeping the historical and traditional values alive, adapting them to the demands of the modern fine wine market, simultaneously examining the opportunities that the advanced technological applications unfold for us.

Skopje

Enjoy the diversity of the Old Bazaar (Stara Carshija), which is one of the best preserved examples of the urban Ottoman architecture. Separated from the city by the Stone bridge and bordering the Kale Fortress, besides being full of restaurants, coffee bars, churches, mosques and museums, it is a real community of craftsmen creating with leather, copper and clay and selling jewelry and clothes. In addition, pay respect to the Noble Prize winner Mother Theresa by visiting her Memorial House where part of her relics are preserved, and enjoy the classical appearance of Skopje 2014 by sightseeing the classical government buildings and the monuments depicting historical characters.

Mavrovo/Galicnik/Jance

Mavrovo is the most popular winter sports ski-center, famous for the Bistra Mountain and the 12 km long artificial Mavrovo lake. The Mavrovo National Park is one of the largest of the three national parks in the Republic of Macedonia. Built on a steep slope of the Bistra mountain and surrounded by dense woods and rocky hills, the St. Jovan Bigorski monastery is a reminiscent of the cliff top monasteries of Mt. Athos in Greece. Since the monastery is dedicated to St. Jovan the Baptist, worshipers believe that the icons with his image are blessed with a miraculous healing power. Similar to Mavrovo is Galichnik, one of the oldest Mijak villages in the region famous for its traditional annual wedding festival and the yellow and white homemade cheese.

Ohrid

As one of the most ancient towns in Europe and part of UNESCO’s World Natural and Cultural Heritage, Ohrid presents its history at every single corner. This magnificent and exciting city is the home of the oldest Slav monastery of St. Pantelejmon that contains more than 800 Byzantine-style icons dating back from the 11th through 14th century. The monastery of St. Naum, famous for its location on a high, rocky outcropping over the lake, offers a unique view to the springs of the Crn Drim river, while the St. Zaum monastery and its small beach, built in 1361, cannot be reached over land but by taxi-boat only. One of the most exciting places to go is the village of Trpejca, which is known as the Macedonian Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Bones, which is a protected cultural monument that consists of 24 reconstructed prehistoric houses on a wooden platform, and therefore represents an exceptional archaeological complex. The Robev Family House and the Samoil’s Fortress are yet two of the most mysterious and surprising locations that are a must when one pays a visit to Ohrid.

Stobi

Stobi, the ancient town of Paionia, is the most famous archaeological site in ruins in Macedonia. It is located on the main road that leads from the Danube to the Aegean Sea and it consists of many other exceptional historical sites that are worth visiting.

Bitola

Bitola is a town in Western Macedonia famous for the ruins of the ancient city of Heraklea that date back to the Hellenistic period. During the early Byzantine period, it became an important episcopal center, while in the late 6th century, it suffered successive attacks by the Slavic tribes who eventually settled there along with most of the northern Balkans region.

Krushevo

Krushevo is the home of Meckin Kamen (Bear Stone) that tells a legend of several brothers who lived there and worked with agriculture and life stock. One day, coming back from the hill, the brothers were confronted by a big bear. The brave people of Krushevo were not afraid, and they attacked the bear. The bear rolled a rock down the hill towards the brothers, but they managed to kill it with their axes. The rock, which was rolled by the bear, has become known as Mechkin Kamen (Bear’s Rock) by the people and has remained as such. In addition, Krushevo is famous for the Makedonium museum, which is a historical and aesthetic monument that marks the Ilinden Uprising i.e. the fight, insubordination and aspiration of the Macedonian people to create free and independent state, and the Tose Proeski Museum, which gives a chronological view of the childhood, the teenage years and the artistic career of the late Macedonian legendary singer Tose Proeski, who also sponsored the construction of the St. Preobrazenie monastery (The Holy Ascention monastery).